The Day I Met Walter Cronkite

The one and only time I met Walter Cronkite I was in such awe I don't think I ever stopped gawking. I tried to act like a professional around him -- but couldn't. His reputation was just too big, his celebrity too well deserved.

It was the summer of 1989 and I had just begun an internship at WCBS NewsRadio 88 in New York City. I was a curly-haired teenager and it was the first time I'd ever stepped into a newsroom. And I was immediately hooked. The energy. The foul language. The frenetic pace of meeting non-stop news deadlines. It was a drug and every morning I'd bound into the building wanting more.

And then, one day, Mr. Cronkite came in to record voiceovers and just like that -- those very same corridors seemed to stop buzzing. It was as if Moses arrived and the Red Sea parted. Everyone put aside what they were doing, looked up from their desks, and followed him with their eyes down the hall, into the booth. I was no exception -- except I really did follow him.

Mr. Cronkite noticed me staring at him through the glass. How could he not? Everyone else seemed to exercise self-control and go back to work. Not me. I was an intern, after all, what did I have to lose?

When his recording session was over and he was gathering his papers to leave, he looked at me with those famous and kind eyes and raised them in such a way that welcomed me inside.

My heart skipped as I walked into the room. But immediately, the legend disarmed me with his warmth and approachability. He asked me my name, where I went to school, and what I liked so far about being in the newsroom. I am sure I was garbling my words because while I spoke all I could think was, I'm talking with Walter Cronkite! Our conversation ended with him asking the CBS photographer to take our picture.

Weeks later, maybe even months, I opened a big envelope that arrived with the rest of my dorm room mail. It was a black and white photograph of me and Walter Cronkite. And he even took the time to sign it. He wrote:

"For Allison Gilbert -
Best luck in broadcast journalism!
Walter Cronkite

It's been 20 years since I had that chance encounter with Walter Cronkite and I've gone on to have a fun and fulfilling career in broadcast journalism. I've worked at NBC, ABC, and now CNN. Through my work in TV, I've met and interviewed many well-known and celebrated people. Few have impressed me as much as Walter Cronkite -- the legend who took the time to make encouraging small-talk with an intern.

Comments

[DEJM]

What a touching memory and what a classy guy! how you must have been inspired!!

[SonofLiberty1]

Allison,

What a marvelous little story. I know you will cherish the memory always:)
Thank you for sharing it with all of us!

[Fuego1]

@ Jack's Joke Shop in Boston several years ago, buying tricks to entertain his grandkids on The Vineyard, Walter entertained about eight of us in the store for a good half hour, trading off with the proprietor in skilled sleight of hand and relaxed, folksy banter .... I was about 17.... Unforgetable ... a still cherished memory of a summery Saturday afternoon ... a "friend" to us all. . . RIP Mr Cronkite

[alphonsegaston]

Love the story. And the photo. And your teenage hair!

[Zanti]

Beautiful and touching. Thank you.

[Allison Gilbert - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks so much for your quick and kind reply. Cronkite was such a giant and I was so saddened to learn of his passing. I kept that photo for two decades -- safe and sound -- like the precious gift it truly is.... Allison